Spain edge Argentina as Ferran Torres seals World Cup, Messi reacts
Leaked tunnel footage of Messi saying ‘forget what happened’ fuelled conspiracy theories after Argentina were beaten 1-0 by Spain.
Spain won the 2026 World Cup unbeaten, beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time. They kept seven clean sheets, Rodri won the Golden Ball, Ferran Torres scored the winner in the final, Pau Cubarsi emerged, and Luis de la Fuente blended control with verticality.
Chelsea have added England defender John Stones to their shortlist after his World Cup run and exit on a free from Manchester City.
Gary Neville slammed Argentina’s World Cup final display after Spain’s 1-0 extra-time win, saying they were poor and reliant on Messi. Ian Wright said the right team won, while Messi later reflected on the loss.
Cape Verde were voted the World Cup’s biggest overachievers after reaching the knockouts unbeaten and pushing Argentina close in a 3-2 defeat.
Barcelona are considering Spain World Cup winner Aymeric Laporte after his standout title-winning displays, with contacts planned and a release clause below €15m.
Rafael Leao sparked fresh controversy with a sexist Instagram comment after the World Cup, then tried to play down the backlash.
After a semi-final exit to Argentina, Tuchel stays until Euro 2028. England face Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia in the Nations League, with tougher Euro 2028 and World Cup 2030 challenges ahead.
Argentina have suffered a fresh setback following the controversy after the World Cup final defeat by Spain, while Lionel Scaloni has learned his fate.
During World Cup final coverage, Robbie Williams explained a viral on-air gaffe was caused by a mint after a white object fell from his mouth during a Magenta Sport interview following the closing ceremony show.
Enzo Fernandez addressed his red card against Spain in the World Cup final after being sent off following bookings for dissent and a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi before Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute winner. He thanked Argentina fans.
Messi posted his sorrow after Argentina lost 1-0 in extra time to Spain, with Ferran Torres scoring. Argentina had no shot on target and Enzo Fernandez was sent off. He congratulated Spain and hailed back-to-back finals.
After Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final, Leandro Paredes’ sister reignited the Falklands row as FIFA investigate post-match disorder.
After Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final, Arsenal rank as the hardest-hit Premier League club by minutes, injuries and disrupted pre-season.
Recap of Manchester United near-misses: Ronaldinho, John Obi Mikel, Toni Kroos, Paulo Dybala and Alan Shearer, with Kroos later winning the 2014 World Cup and five Champions Leagues at Real Madrid.
UK police seized £18m of counterfeit World Cup-era shirts amid safety fears, with fire tests showing fakes are highly flammable. Fans have been warned cheap replicas risk harm and fund criminal networks.
Manchester United have made first contact for Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill, whose shootout heroics against Germany have raised his profile.
West Ham are eyeing Australia’s Harry Souttar after his strong World Cup showing. Despite past injuries, his aerial dominance appeals, with Sheffield United and Stoke also keen.
Report claims future World Cup expansion to 64 teams has been announced, shifting focus to the next tournament cycle.
A pilot falsely told Argentina fans their team had won the World Cup before revealing Spain’s 1-0 win, prompting stunned silence. The prank followed a fiery final and red-card controversy.
After Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final and Enzo Fernandez was sent off, a tearful Messi left MetLife as wife Antonela Roccuzzo was escorted out. Messi posted that ‘the pain is immense’ and congratulated Spain.
